Striking face deflection structures in a golf club

ABSTRACT

A golf club head including a club head perimeter comprising a toe portion, a heel portion, a topline, and a sole portion, a striking face, and a cantilevered face support tab extending from an interior surface of the sole portion towards a rear surface of the striking face, wherein the cantilevered face support tab is secured to the interior surface of the sole portion, wherein the cantilevered face support tab is in contact with but not secured to the rear surface of the striking face, wherein a depth D measured vertically from the interior surface of the sole portion to a top of the cantilevered face support tab is greater than 10 mm and less than 30 mm, wherein the striking face has a face thickness FT of less than 2 mm.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.15/359,206, filed Nov. 22, 2016, which is a continuation-in-part ofapplication Ser. No. 15/220,107, filed Jul. 26, 2016, which are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety. To the extent appropriate,the present application claims priority to the above-referencedapplications.

BACKGROUND

It is a goal for golfers to reduce the total number of swings needed tocomplete a round of golf, thus reducing their total score. To achievethat goal, it is generally desirable for a golfer to have a ball fly aconsistent distance when struck by the same golf club and, for someclubs, also to have that ball travel a long distance. For instance, whena golfer slightly mishits a golf ball, the golfer does not want the golfball to fly a significantly different distance. At the same time, thegolfer also does not want to have a significantly reduced overalldistance every time the golfer strikes the ball, even when the golferstrikes the ball in the “sweet spot” of the golf club.

SUMMARY

One non-limiting embodiment of the present technology includes a golfclub head including a club head perimeter including a toe portion, aheel portion, a topline, and a sole portion; a striking face; and acantilevered face support tab extending from an interior surface of thesole portion towards a rear surface of the striking face; wherein thecantilevered face support tab is secured to the interior surface;wherein the cantilevered face support tab is in contact with but notsecured to the rear surface of the striking face; wherein the strikingface is affixed to the club head perimeter via welding; wherein thecantilevered face support tab is formed integrally with the soleportion; wherein a depth D measured vertically from the interior surfaceof the sole portion to a top of the cantilevered face support tab isgreater than 10 mm and less than 30 mm; wherein the cantilevered facesupport tab comprises a lower portion and an upper portion, the lowerportion affixed to the sole portion, the upper portion contacting thestriking face; wherein an angle α measured between a front surface ofthe lower portion of the cantilevered face support tab and the rearsurface of the striking face is greater than 10 degrees and less than 50degrees; wherein a width W of the cantilevered face support tab measuredin a toe-heel direction is greater than 4 mm and less than 20 mm;wherein a thickness TL of the lower portion measured perpendicularly tothe depth D and the width W is greater than 2 mm and less than 10 mm;wherein a thickness TU of the upper portion measured perpendicularly tothe depth D and the width W is greater than 1 mm and less than 3 mm;wherein a surface area SA of a contact patch formed between thecantilevered face support tab and the rear surface of the striking faceis greater than 5 mm2; wherein the striking face has a face thickness FTof less than 2 mm; wherein the upper portion of the cantilevered facesupport tab includes a friction reducing member located between theupper portion and the rear surface of the striking face, the frictionreducing member constructed of a material different than that of thecantilevered face support tab.

An additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology includesa golf club head including a club head perimeter including a toeportion, a heel portion, a topline, and a sole portion; a striking face;and a cantilevered face support tab extending from an interior surfaceof the sole portion towards a rear surface of the striking face; whereinthe cantilevered face support tab is secured to the interior surface ofthe sole portion; wherein the cantilevered face support tab is incontact with but not secured to the rear surface of the striking face;wherein a depth D measured vertically from the interior surface of thesole portion to a top of the cantilevered face support tab is greaterthan 10 mm and less than 30 mm; wherein the striking face has a facethickness FT of less than 2 mm.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology thestriking face is affixed to the club head perimeter via welding.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology thecantilevered face support tab is formed integrally with the soleportion.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology thecantilevered face support tab comprises a lower portion and an upperportion, the lower portion affixed to the sole portion, the upperportion contacting the striking face.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technologywherein an angle α measured between a front surface of the lower portionof the cantilevered face support tab and the rear surface of thestriking face is greater than 10 degrees and less than 50 degrees.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology awidth W of the cantilevered face support tab measured in a toe-heeldirection is greater than 4 mm and less than 20 mm.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology athickness TL of the lower portion measured perpendicularly to the depthD and the width W is greater than 2 mm and less than 10 mm and wherein athickness TU of the upper portion measured perpendicularly to the depthD and the width W is greater than 1 mm and less than 3 mm.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology asurface area SA of a contact patch formed between the cantilevered facesupport tab and the rear surface of the striking face is greater than 5mm2.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology theupper portion of the cantilevered face support tab includes a frictionreducing member located between the upper portion and the rear surfaceof the striking face.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology thefriction reducing member is constructed of a material different thanthat of the cantilevered face support tab.

An additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology includesa golf club head including a club head perimeter including a toeportion, a heel portion, a topline, and a sole portion; a striking face;and a cantilevered face support tab extending from an interior surfaceof the sole portion towards a rear surface of the striking face;

wherein the cantilevered face support tab is secured to the interiorsurface of the sole portion; wherein the cantilevered face support tabis in contact with but not secured to the rear surface of the strikingface; wherein the cantilevered face support tab comprises a lowerportion and an upper portion, the lower portion affixed to the soleportion, the upper portion contacting the striking face; wherein thestriking face comprises a plurality of scorelines; wherein the strikingface comprises a center face, the center face including a line on thestriking face passing through a center of a majority of each of theplurality of scorelines; wherein the upper portion comprises a contactpatch in contact with the rear surface of the striking face, wherein thecontact patch comprises a contact patch center, wherein the contactpatch center is located a distance TOD at least 2 mm toe-ward of thecenter face.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology thestriking face is affixed to the club head perimeter via welding.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology thecantilevered face support tab is formed integrally with the soleportion.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology anangle α measured between a front surface of the lower portion of thecantilevered face support tab and the rear surface of the striking faceis greater than 10 degrees and less than 50 degrees.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology awidth W of the cantilevered face support tab measured in a toe-heeldirection is greater than 4 mm and less than 20 mm.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology thecantilevered face support tab is angle toe-ward forming an angle Bbetween the lower portion of the cantilevered face support tab and aground plane, wherein the angle B is less than 80 degrees.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology asurface area SA of a contact patch formed between the cantilevered facesupport tab and the rear surface of the striking face is greater than 5mm2.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology theupper portion of the cantilevered face support tab includes a frictionreducing member located between the upper portion and the rear surfaceof the striking face, the friction reducing member constructed of amaterial different than that of the cantilevered face support tab.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology adepth D measured vertically from the interior surface of the soleportion to a top of the cantilevered face support tab is greater than 10mm and less than 30 mm, and wherein the striking face has a facethickness FT of less than 2 mm.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples are described with reference tothe following Figures.

FIGS. 1A-1B depict a partial perspective and a perspective view,respectively, of a golf club head having a rib disposed proximate acenter of gravity of the golf club head.

FIG. 1C depicts a plot of launch velocities for golf club heads having aribs, as compared to a traditional thin face hollow iron.

FIG. 2 depicts a partial front view of a golf club head having a ribextending substantially orthogonal to a topline of the golf club head.

FIG. 3 depicts a partial front view of golf club head having a ribextending substantially orthogonal to a face edge of a heel portion ofthe golf club head.

FIG. 4 depicts a partial perspective view of a golf club head having arod extending from a back portion of the golf club head.

FIG. 5A depicts a partial front view of a golf club head having a ribdisposed so as to create a symmetric portion of the striking face.

FIG. 5B depicts a perspective view of the golf club head of FIG. 5Ahaving a striking face attached.

FIG. 6A depicts a partial front view of a golf club head having two ribsdisposed so as to create a symmetric portion of the striking face.

FIG. 6B depicts a perspective view of the golf club head depicted inFIG. 6A.

FIG. 7A depicts a front view of a golf club head having a flex supportstructure.

FIG. 7B depicts a section view of the golf club head of FIG. 7A.

FIGS. 7C-7E depict section views of flex support structures utilized ingolf club heads.

FIG. 7F depicts a front view of a golf club head having a variable flexsupport structure.

FIGS. 7G-7I depict sections views of the variable flex support structurein the golf club head in FIG. 7F.

FIG. 8A depicts a golf club head having a flex support structure and arib disposed so as to create a symmetric portion of the striking face.

FIGS. 8B-8D depict section views of the golf club depicted in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9A depicts a front view of a golf club head having a plurality ofpreloaded cantilevered tabs.

FIG. 9B depicts a right sectional view of the golf club head depicted inFIG. 9A prior to attachment of a striking face.

FIG. 9C depicts a right sectional view of the golf club head depicted inFIGS. 9A-9B after attachment of the striking face.

FIG. 9D depicts an enlarged view of a portion of the golf club head 900as indicated in FIG. 9C.

FIG. 10A depicts a front view of a golf club head having a striking facewith edges that can flex at least partially free from the perimeter ofthe golf club head.

FIG. 10B depicts a right sectional view of the golf club head depictedin FIG. 10A.

FIG. 10C depicts the right sectional view of FIGS. 10A-10B afterattachment of the striking face.

FIG. 11A depicts a front view of a golf club head.

FIG. 11B depicts a right view of the golf club head of FIG. 11A.

FIG. 11C depicts a perspective view of the golf club head of FIG. 11A.

FIG. 11D depicts a rear view of the golf club head of FIG. 11A includinga cantilevered face support tab.

FIG. 11E depicts a rear perspective view of the golf club head of FIG.11A.

FIG. 11F depicts a right sectional view of the golf club head of FIG.11A.

FIG. 11G depicts a perspective sectional view of the golf club head ofFIG. 11A.

FIG. 11H depicts a front sectional view of the golf club head of FIG.11A with the striking face missing.

FIG. 12A depicts a rear view of a golf club head including acantilevered face support tab.

FIG. 12B depicts a rear perspective view of the golf club head of FIG.12A.

FIG. 12C depicts a front sectional view of the golf club head of FIG.12A with the striking face missing.

FIG. 12D depicts a rear perspective view of the golf club head of FIG.12A including a friction reducing member.

FIG. 12E depicts a right sectional view of the golf club head of FIG.12D.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The technologies described herein contemplate an iron-type golf clubhead that incorporates one or more face support elements (e.g., ribs,rods, support structures, etc.) extending towards or proximate to a rearsurface of a striking face of the golf club head. By including one ormore of those elements, the deflection pattern of the striking face ofthe golf club can be controlled. In a traditional hollow iron-type golfclub, a striking face is attached to a club head such that the strikingface has the largest deflection at the geometric center of the strikingface. While such a design may lead to large flight distances for a golfball when struck in the center of the face, any off-center strike ofgolf ball causes significant changes in flight distance of the golfball. By incorporating one or more face support elements into the golfclub head, the deflection pattern of the striking face can be altered toprovide a more consistent ball flight from ball strikes across a largerarea of the striking face.

In addition, in traditional hollow iron-type golf club heads, theirregular shape of the golf club face also causes problems with thelaunch of a golf ball off the club face. For example, a traditional golfclub face has a larger surface area towards the toe of the golf club andless surface area towards the heel of the golf club. Due to that shape,deflection of the face upon striking the ball is not symmetric and cancause a golf ball to launch in an undesirable angle. The presenttechnology provides one or more ribs extending from a back portion ofthe golf club head to the rear surface of the striking face to create asymmetric portion of the striking face. When the symmetric portion ofthe striking face strikes the golf ball, improved launch characteristicsare displayed.

FIGS. 1A-1B depict a perspective view of a golf club head 100 having arib 102 disposed proximate a center of gravity 120 of the golf club head100. The golf club head 100 includes a sole portion 104, a topline 106,a toe portion 108, and a heel portion 110, and a back portion 112. Therib 102 extends from the topline 106 to the sole portion 104 at an anglesubstantially orthogonal to the sole portion 104. The rib 102 alsoextends from the back portion 112 to a rear surface of a striking face118, as shown in FIG. 1B. Inclusion of the rib 102 forms two cavities140, 142. The first cavity 140 is defined by the back portion 112, thetoe portion 108, the topline 106, the rib 102, the sole portion 104, andthe striking face 118. The second cavity 142 is defined by the backportion 112, the rib 102, the topline 106, the face edge 114 of the heelportion 110, the sole portion 104, and the striking face 118.

The rib 102 may be formed as part of a casting process of the golf clubhead 100. The rib 102 may also be inserted after the casting process andattached to other components of the golf club head 100 via welding orother attachment methods. For example, the rib 102 may be welded to theback portion 112, the topline 106, and the sole portion 104. In someexamples, the rib may also be welded to the rear surface of the strikingface 118.

The striking face 118 may also be attached as a single face insert thatspans from the toe portion 108 to the heel portion 110. For instance,the striking face 118 may be welded to the sole portion 104, toe portion108, the topline 106, and a face edge 114 of the heel portion 110. Asmentioned above, the striking face 118 may also be welded to the rib102. In other examples, the striking face 118 may be made of two or morepieces. A first portion of the striking face 118 (disposed over cavity142) may have first thickness and a second portion of the striking face118 (disposed over cavity 140) may have a second thickness. In yet otherexamples, the striking face 118 may be a single face insert having avariable thickness such that the first portion of the striking face 118over cavity 142 has a first thickness and a second portion of thestriking face 118 over cavity 140 has a second thickness.

When a golf ball strikes the striking face 118 at a portion of thestriking face 118 backed by the rib 102, the striking face 118 deflectsa lesser distance that it would without the rib 102. Because thestriking face 118 deflects less when struck at a portion backed by therib 102, the ball will display a slightly reduced launch velocity thanit would if struck by the same club without the rib 102. When a golfball strikes the striking face 118 at a portion that is backed by one ofthe two cavities 140, 142, the striking face 118 deflects into therespective cavity. That deflection adds additional launch velocity tothe golf ball. The deflection into the respective cavity, however, maystill be less than if the club did not have a rib 102. While such areduction in overall launch velocity may seem undesirable, the slightreduction in launch velocity causes a more consistent launch velocityfrom strikes made across the entire striking face 118. For instance, aball strike on the striking face 118 nearest the center of gravity 120often provides the largest launch velocity for the golf ball.Accordingly, by removing the deflection of the face at the center ofgravity 120 by placing a rib 102 at a location of the center of gravity102, the highest launch velocity is reduced so as to be closer to launchvelocities from other portions of the striking face.

FIG. 1C depicts a plot of example results of launch velocities for agolf club head 100 having a rib 102 compared to a traditional thin facehollow iron. Launch velocities across the striking face were recordedfor multiple example configurations. Example 1 was a baseline hollowiron having a 2.1 mm face thickness. Example 2 was an iron with amulti-thickness face having a rib 102, and the portion of the strikingface 118 over the first cavity 140 had a thickness of 1.9 mm and theportion of the striking face 118 over the second cavity 142 had athickness of 1.7 mm. Example 3 was an iron with a 2.1 mm face thicknessalso having a rib 102. For Example 1, a ball struck at the center of theface had a about a 134.1 mph launch velocity. A ball struck toward thetoe lost about 6.9 mph of launch velocity and a ball struck toward theheel lost about 1.0 mph of launch velocity. For Example 2, a ball struckat the center of the face had a about a 133.0 mph launch velocity, aball struck toward the toe lost about 6.0 mph of launch velocity, and aball struck toward the heel lost about 0.4 mph of launch velocity. ForExample 3, a ball struck at the center of the face had a about 133.0 mphlaunch velocity, a ball struck toward the toe lost about 6.0 mph oflaunch velocity, and a ball struck toward the heel lost about 0.6 mph oflaunch velocity. Of note, Examples 2 and 3 had the same launch velocityat the center and towards the toe. Thus, the golf club head having a rib102 slightly reduces the maximum launch velocity, but displays animproved launch velocity retention across the face of the golf club,particularly with a multi-thickness striking face, thus providinggreater consistent distance control with that club.

FIG. 2 depicts a partial front view of a golf club head 200 having a rib202 extending substantially orthogonal to the topline 206 of the golfclub head 200. Otherwise, the golf club head 200 is substantiallysimilar to the golf club head 100 depicted in FIGS. 1A-1B. The rib 202may be attached to the back portion 212 and a rear surface of a strikingface (not shown). Similar to the golf club head 100, two cavities 240,242 are formed due to the rib 202. The first cavity 240 is defined atleast partially by back portion 212, the toe portion 208, the topline206, the rib 202, and the sole portion 204. The second cavity 242 is atleast partially defined by the back portion 212, rib 202, the topline206, the face edge 214 of the heel portion 210, and the sole portion204. A multi-thickness face may also be used with golf club head 200.

FIG. 3 depicts a partial front view of golf club head 300 having a rib302 extending substantially orthogonal to a face edge 314 of the heelportion 310. Otherwise, the golf club head 300 is substantially similarto the golf club head 100 depicted in FIGS. 1A-1B. When the golf clubaddresses the ball, the rib 302 may be substantially parallel to theground. The rib 302 may be attached to the back portion 312 and a rearsurface of a striking face. Similar to the golf club head 100 of FIGS.1A-1B, two cavities 340, 342 are formed due to the rib 302. The firstcavity 340 is defined by the back portion 312, toe portion 308, thetopline 306, the rib 302, and the face edge 314 of the heel portion 310.The second cavity 342 is defined by the back portion 312, the rib 302,the sole portion 304, the heel portion 310, and the toe portion 308. Asingle thickness or multi-thickness striking face may also be used withgolf club head 300.

FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of a golf club head 400 having acavity 440 with a rod 402 extending from a back portion 412 of the golfclub head 400 to a striking face of the golf club head 400. The rod 402extends from the back portion 412 to the rear surface of the strikingface (not shown). Unlike the ribs described above in FIGS. 1-3, the rod402 is not connected directly to the topline 406, sole portion 404, toeportion 408, or the face edge 414 of the heel portion 410. The rod 402may also be located at the center of gravity 420 of the golf club head400. Similar to the ribs discussed above, when a golf ball strikes aportion of the striking face backed by the rod 402, the striking facewill have a reduced displacement as compared to a golf club lacking arod. If the golf ball strikes a portion of the striking face not backedby the rod 402, the striking face will have some displacement, adding tothe launch velocity of the golf ball. As such, golf balls that are hitoff-center either towards the heel portion 410, toe portion 408, topline406, or the sole portion 404 will have better distance retention,similar to the results from the rib 102 discussed above with referenceto FIG. 1C. For example, in a golf club with a rod 402 having a 15 mmdiameter and a striking face with a 2.1 mm thickness, a ball struck atthe center of the face had a 132.8 mph launch velocity, and a ballstruck toward the toe lost 6.5 mph of launch velocity and a ball strucktoward the heel lost 0.4 mph of launch velocity.

FIG. 5A depicts a partial front view of a golf club head 500 having arib 502 disposed so as to create a symmetric portion 550 of the strikingface 518, and FIG. 5B depicts a perspective view of the golf club head500. The rib 502 extends from the topline 506 to the sole portion 504,and extends from the back portion 512 to a rear surface of the strikingface 518. The rib 502, however, does not extend in straight line.Instead, the rib 502 has a shape that substantially mirrors a shape ofthe topline 506 and the face edge 514 of the heel portion 510. By therib 502 having such a shape, the striking face 518 has a symmetricportion 550 defined by the portion of the striking face 518 in contactwith the topline 506, the sole portion 504, the face edge 514 of theheel portion 510, and the rib 502. The symmetric portion 550 issymmetric about line of symmetry A. The three-dimensions, the symmetricportion 550 is symmetric about a plane orthogonal to a plane defined bythe striking face 518. In the example shown in FIGS. 5A-5B, thesymmetric portion 550 has an irregular pentagonal shape with twoparallel sides, similar to the shape of a home plate. Other potentialsymmetric shapes may be used.

Two cavities 540, 542 are also formed from inclusion of the rib 502. Thefirst cavity 542 is defined by the back portion 512, the rib 502, thesole portion 504, the topline 506, and the face edge 514 of the heelportion 510. The second cavity 540 is defined by the back portion 512,the rib 502, the sole portion 504, the toe portion 508, and the topline506.

A multi-thickness-type striking face 518 may also be used with the golfclub head 500. For example, the symmetric portion 550 of the strikingface 518 may have a first thickness and the non-symmetric portion 552 ofthe striking face 518 may have a second thickness. The non-symmetricportion 552 of the striking face 518 is defined by contact with thetopline 506, the toe portion 508, the sole portion 504, and the rib 502.In some examples, the thickness of the symmetric portion 550 of thestriking face 518 may be thicker than the thickness of the non-symmetricportion 552 of the striking face 518. For instance, because thenon-symmetric portion 552 is statistically struck less than thesymmetric area 550, the non-symmetric portion 552 may be made muchthinner than the symmetric portion 550. In an example, the striking face518 thickness of the non-symmetric portion 552 is less than or equal toabout 80% the thickness of the symmetric portion. In some embodiments,the thickness of the non-symmetric portion 552 is between a range ofabout 0.5 mm to about 1.5 mm. In examples, the range may be about 0.75mm to about 1.25 mm; or about 0.95 to about 1.05 mm. The striking face518 may also be formed of two pieces—one piece for the symmetric portion550 and another piece for the non-symmetric portion 552. In such anexample, the symmetric portion 550 of the striking face may beincorporated into both left-handed and right-handed golf clubs withoutmodification.

The different striking face pieces may also be made from differentmaterials. For example, the non-symmetric portion 552 may be made fromlight-weight materials such as aluminum, titanium, or plastic. In otherexamples, heavier materials could be used for the non-symmetric portion552 in order to alter the center of gravity of the golf club head 552.The second cavity 540 may be filled, or partially filled, with amaterial to alter the center of gravity of the golf club head 500.

By creating a symmetric face portion 550 with inclusion of the rib 502,the launch characteristics of the golf ball may be improved. In atraditional golf club without a rib 502, the striking face is asymmetricdue to the striking face being attached only to the perimeter of thegolf club. Due to the asymmetry, inconsistent launch conditions occurwhen the golf balls are struck at various locations along the strikingface from the heel to the toe. For example, sidespin, backspin, launchdirection, and launch velocity of the golf ball will be inconsistentdepending on where on the striking face the ball is struck. With astriking face 518 having a symmetric portion 550, more consistent launchcharacteristics are displayed across the symmetric portion 550 of thestriking face 518.

FIG. 6A depicts a front view of a golf club head 600 having two ribs602, 622 disposed so as to create a symmetric portion 650 of thestriking face 618, and FIG. 6B depicts a perspective view of the golfclub head 600. The golf club head 600 includes two ribs 602, 622 ratherthan a single rib. The first rib 602 extends from the topline 606 to thetoe portion 608. The second rib 622 extends from the first rib 602 tothe sole portion 604. The first rib 602 and the second rib 622 alsoextend from the back portion 612 to the rear surface of the strikingface 618. In the example depicted in FIGS. 6A-6B, the first rib 602 andthe second rib 622 are arranged to substantially mirror a shape of thetopline 606 and the face edge 614 of the heel portion 610. By arrangingthe first rib 602 and the second rib 622 to have such a shape, thestriking face 618 has a symmetric portion 650 defined by the portion ofthe striking face 618 in contact with the topline 606, the sole portion604, the face edge 614 of the heel portion 610, the first rib 602, andthe second rib 622. The symmetric portion 650 is symmetric about line ofsymmetry A. In the example shown in FIGS. 6A-6B, the symmetric portion650 has an irregular pentagonal shape with two parallel sides, similarto the shape of a home plate. Other potential symmetric shapes may beused. Further, additional ribs may be incorporated into the golf clubhead 600 to create other symmetric shapes.

Three cavities are formed in the golf club head 600. The first cavity642 is formed by the back portion 612, the topline 606, the first rib602, the second rib 622, the sole portion 604, and the face edge 614 ofthe heel portion 610. The second cavity 640 is formed by the backportion 612, the first rib 602, the second rib 622, the sole portion604, and the toe portion 608. The third cavity 644 is formed by thetopline 606, the toe portion 608, and the first rib 602. The portion ofthe striking face 618 backed by the first cavity 642 is the symmetricportion 650 of the striking face 618.

Similar to the golf club head 500 of FIGS. 5A-5B, the golf club head 600may have a multi-thickness type striking face 618. For example, thesymmetric portion 650 of the striking face 618 may have a firstthickness. A first non-symmetric portion 652 of the striking face 618backed by the second cavity 640 may have a second thickness, and asecond non-symmetric portion 654 of the striking face 618 backed by thethird cavity 644 may have a third thickness. In some examples, the firstthickness is greater than the second thickness, and the second thicknessis greater than the third thickness. For instance, the second thicknessmay be less than or equal to about 80% of the thickness of the symmetricportion 650, and the third thickness may be less than or equal to about50% of the thickness of the symmetric portion 650. In some embodiments,the second thickness and the third thickness is between a range of about0.5 mm to about 1.5 mm. In examples, the range may be about 0.75 mm toabout 1.25 mm; or about 0.95 to about 1.05 mm. In some examples, asection of the back portion 612 behind the third cavity 644 may also bethinner than the remainder of the back portion. The striking face 618may also be formed of three pieces—a first piece for the symmetricportion 650, a second piece for the first non-symmetric portion 652, anda third piece for the second non-symmetric portion 654. In anotherexample, the striking face 618 may also be formed of two pieces—a firstpiece for the symmetric portion 650 and the portion backed by the secondcavity 640, and a second piece for the portion backed by the thirdcavity 644. In either the two-piece or three-piece striking face 618example, the symmetric portion 650 of the striking face may beincorporated into both left-handed and right-handed golf clubs withoutmodification. The symmetric portion 650 of the striking face 618provides similar launch characteristic benefits as the symmetric portion550 of the golf club head described in FIGS. 5A-5B.

The different striking face pieces may also be made from differentmaterials. For example, the pieces of the striking faces covering thenon-symmetric portions 652, 654 may be made from light-weight materialssuch as aluminum, titanium, or plastic. In other examples, heaviermaterials could be used for the pieces of the striking faces coveringthe non-symmetric portions 652, 654 in order to alter the center ofgravity of the golf club head 600. The second cavity 640 and the thirdcavity 644 may be filled, or partially filled, with a material to alterthe center of gravity of the golf club head 600.

FIG. 7A depicts a front view of a golf club head 700 having a flexsupport structure 730, and FIG. 7B depicts a right sectional view of thegolf club head 700 along the section plane indicated in FIG. 7A. Theflex support structure 730 is formed around the perimeter of the golfclub head 700. In an example, the flex support structure 730 may beformed on or mounted to the topline 706, the toe portion 708, the soleportion 704, and the face edge 714 of the heel portion 710. The flexsupport structure 730 protrudes or extends into the cavity 740 betweenthe striking face 718 and the back portion 712. In some examples, theflex support structure 730 has a curved surface facing the rear surfaceof the striking face 718. When the striking face is in non-deflectedposition (as shown in FIG. 7B), the striking face 718 is not in contactwith a portion of the curved surface of the flex support structure. Upondeflection of the striking face 718, such as when striking a golf ball,the rear surface of the striking face 718 contacts more of the curvedsurface of the flex support structure 730. As the contact area betweenthe striking face 718 and the curved surface of the flex supportstructure 730 increases (due to greater striking face 718 deflection),the flex support structure 730 provides support to the striking face718, effectively reducing the span of the striking face 718 more as thestriking face 718 deflects further.

By incorporating the flex support structure 730, the thickness of thestriking face 718 may be reduced. In traditional golf clubs, thethickness of the striking face may be based on the swing speed of theplayer. For instance, a thinner striking face may be more useful forplayers with slower swing speeds because the striking face will deflectmore easily, providing higher launch velocities. If a high swing speedplayer were to use that same club, however, the thin striking face mayfail because the striking face would deflect too far. Accordingly,thicker faces are generally required for high swing speed players.Incorporation of the flex support structure 730, however, allows for asingle thin striking face 718 to be used for a wide range of swingspeeds. At lower swing speeds, the thin striking face 718 will stillhave almost as much deflection as in a traditional golf club because theminor deflection of the face will not cause much contact with the curvedsurface of the flex support structure 730. Conversely, at higher swingspeeds, the striking face 718 will receive additional support from theflex support structure 730 due to the additional deflection distance.Generally, the height and the rate of curvature of the flex supportstructure 730 determines the amount of support that the striking face718 will receive at various deflection depths. While depicted withoutgrooves or scoring lines in FIGS. 7A-7I, the striking face 718 mayinclude such scoring marks as depicted in the striking faces discussedabove.

FIGS. 7C-7E depict a right sectional view of different configurations ofthe flex support structure 730. In an example, the flex supportstructure 730C has a substantially half-circle shape protruding into thecavity 740. A portion of the flex support structure 730C that isparallel to the striking face 718 may be in contact with the strikingface even in a non-deflected position. The curved portion of the flexsupport structure 730C, however, contacts the striking face 718 onlywhen the striking face is in a deflected position. The further thedeflection depth of the striking face 718 into the cavity 740, thegreater the area of the curved surface of the flex support structure730C that will be contacted by the rear surface of the striking face718. The flex support structure 730D depicted in FIG. 7D hassubstantially the same height and rate of curvature as the flex supportstructure 730C. The flex support structure 730D, however, has additionalmaterial 732 on the rear side of the flex support structure 730D toprovide additional strength to the flex support structure 730C. Asdiscussed, above the rate of curvature or the height of the flex supportstructure 730C or flex support structure 730D may be modified to adjustthe amount of support the striking face 718 receives at variousdeflection depths.

Flex support structure 730E is an example of a linear flex supportstructure. The flex support structure 730E includes an angled ramprather than a curved surface. When the striking face 718 deflects intothe cavity 740, the rear surface of the striking face 718 contacts theangled portion of the flex support structure 730E. Similar to the curvedflex support structures, the linear flex support structure 730E providesadditional support to the striking face 718 as the deflection distanceof the striking face increases. The height and angle of the rampedsurface may be modified to adjust the amount of support the strikingface 718 receives at various depths.

FIG. 7F depicts a front view of a golf club head 700 having a variableflex support structure 730F. The variable flex support structure 730Fhas different heights and/or rates of curvature at different locationsbetween the heel portion 710 and the toe portion 708. Due to thedifferent heights and/or rates of curvature of the variable flex supportstructure 730F, different portions of the striking face 718 receivedifferent amounts of support when in a deflected position. The differentshape characteristics of the variable flex support structure 730F can beseen in the section views shown in FIGS. 7G-7I as indicated by thesection plane lines in FIG. 7F.

In the example depicted in FIGS. 7F-7I, the variable flex supportstructure 730F has a variable profile, such as a variable height andrate of curvature, along the sole portion 704. Towards the toe portion708, the flex support structure 730G has a first profile defined by afirst height and rate of curvature. Closer to the center of the strikingface 718, the flex support structure 730H has a second profile with alower height and a lesser rate of curvature as compared to the profileof flex support structure 730G. Towards the heel portion 710, the flexsupport structure 730I has a third profile with a height and rate ofcurvature greater than either the profile of flex support structure 730Gor the profile of flex support structure 730H.

In an example, different profiles of the variable flex support structure730F provide support to the striking face 718 at different deflectiondepths. For instance, at a first deflection depth of the striking face718, the rear surface of the striking face 718 may contact the surfaceof the portions of the variable flex support structure 730F a firstprofile and the second profile. At a second deflection depth, however,the rear surface of the striking face 718 may only contact the portionsof the variable flex support structure 730F having the first profile.

Other configurations are also contemplated. For example, the flexsupport structure 730H near the center of the club face may have thegreatest height compared to the other flex support structures 730G,730I. In such an example, the center of the striking face 718 has alimited deflection range due to the flex support structure 730H. Bylimiting the deflection range of the center of the striking face 718,the launch velocity of a golf ball from the center of the striking face718 is reduced. The shorter flex support structures 730G, 730I towardsthe toe portion 708 and the heel portion 710 allow for furtherdeflection of the striking face 718, thus contributing to a higherlaunch velocity. With such a configuration, more even launch velocitiesacross the striking face 718 may achieved, similar to the inclusion ofthe rib 102 discussed above. The height and rate of curvature of theflex support structure 730F may also be altered or varied along the toeportion 708, the topline 706, and the face edge 714 of the heel tofurther alter the deflection characteristics of the striking face 718.

In other examples, the variable flex support structure 730H may notextend around the entire perimeter of the cavity 740. For instance, onlya section of the sole portion 704 or the topline 706 may have a flexsupport structure 730H. In another example, the face edge 714 of theheel portion 710 or the toe portion 708 may not have a flex supportstructure 730H.

FIG. 8A depicts a golf club head 800 having flex support structures 830,832 and a rib 802 disposed so as to create a symmetric portion 850 ofthe striking face 818. FIGS. 8B-8D depict section views of the golf clubhead 800 as indicated by the section plane lines in FIG. 8A. The rib 802is similar to the rib 502 discussed above with reference to FIGS. 5A-5B.The rib 802 extends from the back portion 812 to the rear surface of thestriking face 818. The rib 802 also extends from the topline 806 to thesole portion 804 and is shaped to substantially mirror a shape of thetopline 806 and the face edge 814 of the heel portion 810. By havingsuch a shape, the striking face 818 has a symmetric portion defined bythe portion of the striking face 818 in contact with the topline 806,the sole portion 804, the face edge 814 of the heel portion 810, and therib 802, similar to the symmetric portion 550 described in FIGS. 5A-5Babove. A multi-thickness striking face may also be utilized.

The golf club head 800 includes two cavities 840, 842, similar to thetwo cavities 540, 542 described above in FIGS. 5A-5B. A first flexsupport structure 830 is attached to the perimeter of the first cavity842 and a second flex support structure 832 is attached to the perimeterof the second cavity 840. For example, the second flex support structure832 is attached to or formed on the toe portion 808, the sole portion804, the toe-side surface of the rib 802, and the topline 806. The firstflex support structure 830 is attached to or formed on the topline 806,the heel-side surface of the rib 802, the sole portion 804, and the faceedge 814 of the heel 810 portion. The first flex support structure 830protrudes or extends into the first cavity 842 and the second flexsupport structure 832 protrudes into the second cavity 840. Similar tothe flex support structures discussed above with reference to FIGS.7A-7I, the flex support structures 830, 832 provide additional supportfor the striking face 818 when in a deflected position. For instance,where the symmetric portion of the striking face 818 deflects, the rearsurface of the striking face 818 will contact a portion of the curvedsurfaces of second flex support structure 832. If the non-symmetricportion of the striking face 818 deflects, the rear surface of thestriking face 818 will contact a portion of the curved surfaces of thefirst flex support structure 830. In some embodiments, the golf clubhead 800 does not include the second flex support structure 832.

The first flex support structure 830 and/or the second flex supportstructure 832 may also be a variable flex support structure similar tothe variable flex support structure 730H discussed above with referenceto FIGS. 7F-7I. For example, the profile of the flex support structure832 may change around the perimeter of the second cavity 840, e.g., theheight of the flex support structure 832 may be greater near the line ofsymmetry A to reduce the deflection of the striking face 818 at thatpoint where maximum deflection would occur. By having the flex supportstructure 832 have a greater height near the line of symmetry, moreconsistent launch velocities may be achieved across the symmetricportion of the striking face.

The flex support structures 830, 832 may be incorporated into a golfclub head having any of the rib or rod structures discussed above alongwith other structures that may be incorporated into a golf club head.

FIG. 9A depicts a front view of a golf club head 900 having a pluralityof preloaded, cantilevered face support tabs 921-924. FIG. 9B depicts aright sectional view of the golf club head 900 along the section planeindicated in FIG. 9A prior to attachment of a striking face 918, andFIG. 9C depicts the right sectional view of FIG. 9B but with thestriking face 918 attached to the golf club head 900. FIG. 9D depicts anenlarged view of a portion of the golf club head 900 as indicated inFIG. 9C. Club head 900 has a topline 906, a toe portion 908, a soleportion 904, and a heel portion 910, which in combination define aperimeter of the golf club head 900. A plurality of face support tabs921-924 are attached at one end to an interior surface 916 of theperimeter of the golf club head 900. The other end of the tabs 921-924is in contact with a rear surface of the striking face 918, but are notattached or otherwise secured to the rear surface of the striking face918. In some examples, the tabs 921-924 may be formed during a castingprocess of the club head body or may be attached to the interiorperimeter surface after casting via welding or other fasteningprocedures or mechanisms. In the particular example depicted in FIGS.9A-9B, the plurality of tabs 921-924 includes a toe tab 921 at the toeportion 908, a sole tab 922 at the sole 904, a heel tab 923 at the heel910, and a topline tab 924 at the topline 906. In other examples, agreater or fewer number of tabs may be implemented.

Prior to the striking face 918 being attached to the club head 900, oneor more of the tabs 921-924 extend from the interior surface 916 of theperimeter to a point beyond the shelf plane P, as shown in FIG. 9B. Theshelf plane P is the plane on which the rear surface of the strikingface 918 rests upon being attached to the golf club head 900, and theshelf plane P may further be defined by a shelf 950 that is formed alongat least a portion of the perimeter of the golf club head 900. Thestriking face 918 is then attached, thus bending the cantilevered tabs921-924 into the cavity 940. In an example, the striking face 918 may beclamped into place and then welded to the perimeter of the club head900. Once the striking face 918 has been welded to the perimeter thegolf club head 900, the cantilevered tabs 921-924 apply a pressureagainst the rear surface of the striking face 918 when the striking face918 is in a neutral position, e.g., when not striking a golf ball orrebounding from striking a golf ball. Accordingly, the cantilevered tabs921-924 are preloaded against the striking face 918. By preloading thecantilevered tabs 921-924 against the striking face, a thinner strikingface 918 can be incorporated into the golf club head 900. For example,the striking face 918 may have a thickness within the ranges of about1-3 mm, 1.5-2.5 mm, 1.0-2.0 mm, and 1.5-2.0 mm. The preloading of thecantilevered tabs 921-924 also affects launch characteristics of golfball upon impact with the striking face 918. In some examples, the clubhead 900 displays a coefficient of restitution (COR) within the rangesof 0.8-0.83 and 0.81-0.82.

Each of the preloaded cantilevered tabs 921-924 may have the same ordifferent dimensions. Each of the tabs 921-924 may be characterized byits width W, its depth D into the cavity, the thickness T of the tab,and the angle α between the respective tab and the rear surface of thestriking face 918 when the striking is attached to the club head 900.The width W of the sole tab 922 may have a variety of possibledimensions depending on the particular application. For example, thewidth W of the sole tab 922 may be between approximately one-half (½) tothree-quarters (¾) the Length L_(S) of the sole portion 904, or less. Inother examples, the width W of the sole tab 922 may be betweenapproximately 0.2-1.5 inches, 0.4-0.8 inches, 0.75-1.25 inches, or1.0-1.5 inches. The thickness T of the sole tab 922 may be between theranges of about 1.0-2.0 mm, 1.2-1.8 mm, or 1.4-1.6 mm. The angle α forthe sole tab 922 may be between 45-60 degrees, less than 45 degrees, orless than 20 degrees. The thickness of the sole tab 922 may be betweenapproximately 0.5-2.0 mm, 0.8-1.5 mm, or 0.8-1.2 mm. The depth D of thesole tab 922 may be between approximately 4.0-12.0 mm, 5.0-10.0 mm, or7.0-8.0 mm. The dimensions of each of the tabs may also depend on of thethickness of the striking face 918. For instance, for thinner strikingfaces, the depth D and/or width W of one or more of the tabs 921-924 aregenerally larger. In some examples, the ratio of the width W of the soletab 922 to the thickness of the striking face 918 may be between about8:1 to 20:1, 10:1 to 18:1, or 12:1 to 16:1. The portion of the sole tab922 attached to the interior perimeter surface may be centered at themidpoint of the sole. In other examples, the portion of the sole tab 922attached to the interior perimeter surface may be centered below acenter of gravity for the golf club head 900.

The other tabs may have similar dimensions as the sole tab 922. Forinstance, the topline tab 924 may have substantially the same or similardimensions at the sole tab 922. In some examples, however, thedimensions of the topline tab 924 may be described relative to thelength L_(T) of the topline 906. For instance, the width of the toplinetab 924 may be between approximately one-half (½) to three-quarters (¾)the length L_(T) of the topline 906. The portion of the topline tab 924attached to the interior perimeter surface may be centered on themidpoint of the topline 906. In other examples, the portion of thetopline tab 924 attached to the interior perimeter surface may becentered above the center of gravity for the golf club head 900. Thedepth D, angle α, and the thickness T of the topline tab 924 may bewithin the same ranges as discussed above for the correspondingdimensions of the sole tab 922. In some examples, however, while thedepth D, angle α, and the thickness T of the topline tab 924 may bewithin the same ranges discussed above, the topline tab 924 may not havethe same dimensions as sole tab 922.

In some of the examples, the toe tab 921 may have a width equal toone-half (½) to three-quarters (¾) the height H_(T) of the toe portion908. The portion of the toe tab 921 attached to the interior perimetersurface may be centered on the midpoint of the toe portion 908. In otherexamples, the portion of the topline tab 924 attached to the interiorperimeter surface may be centered at a height of the center of gravityfor the golf club head 900. The depth D, angle α, and the thickness T ofthe toe tab 921 may be within the same ranges as discussed above for thecorresponding dimensions of the sole tab 922. In some examples, however,while the depth D, angle α, and the thickness T of the toe tab 921 maybe within the same ranges discussed above, the toe tab 921 may not havethe same dimensions as sole tab 922 or the topline tab 924.

The heel tab 923 may have a width equal to one-half (½) tothree-quarters (¾) the height of the heel edge 911, or larger. Theportion of the heel tab 923 attached to the interior perimeter surfacemay be centered on the midpoint of the heel edge 911. In other examples,the portion of the heel tab 924 attached to the interior perimetersurface may be centered at a height of the center of gravity for thegolf club head 900. The depth D, angle α, and the thickness T of theheel tab 923 may be within the same ranges as discussed above for thecorresponding dimensions of the sole tab 922. In some examples, however,while the depth D, angle α, and the thickness T of the heel tab 923 maybe within the same ranges discussed above, the heel tab 923 may not havethe same dimensions as sole tab 922, the topline tab 924, or the toe tab921.

FIG. 10A depicts a front view of a golf club head 1000 having a strikingface 1018 with edges that can flex at least partially free from theperimeter of the golf club head 1000. FIG. 10B depicts a right sectionalview of the golf club head 1000 depicted in FIG. 10A along the sectionplane indicated in FIG. 10A prior to attachment of a striking face 1018.FIG. 10C depicts the right sectional view of FIG. 10B but with thestriking face 1018 attached to the golf club head 1000. The golf clubhead 1000 differs from golf club head 900 in that the striking face 1018is secured directly to each of the face support tabs 1021-1024. Further,the striking face 1018 is not directly fastened to the perimeter of thegolf club head 1000. As such, the edges of the striking face 1018 areable to move outward from the remainder of the club head 1000 uponimpacting a golf ball. In some examples, a gasket 1052 is placed betweenthe perimeter of the golf club head 1000 and the striking face 1018 toprevent debris from entering a cavity 1040 or excessive wear between thesurfaces of the striking face 1018 and the surfaces of the perimeter ofthe club head 1000.

The golf club head 1000 includes a topline 1006, a toe portion 1008, asole portion 1004, and a heel portion 1010, which in combination definea perimeter of the golf club head 1000. The golf club head 1000 alsoincludes a plurality of tabs 1021-1024. As an example, the golf clubhead 1000 may include a toe tab 1021, a sole tab 1022, a heel tab 1023,and a top-line tab 1024. The tabs 1021-1024 may be formed during acasting process of the club head body or may be attached to the interiorperimeter surface after casting. In some examples, each of the tabs1021-1024 are secured to both an interior surface 1016 of the perimeterof the golf club head 1000 and to the rear surface of the striking face1018. Securing the tabs 1021-1024 to the interior surface 1016 of theperimeter and to the rear surface of the striking face may beaccomplished via welding, rivets, screws, or other fastening or securingtechniques. In other examples, fewer than all of the plurality of tabs1021-1024 are attached to the rear surface of the striking face 1018.For instance, two of the tabs may be attached only to the interiorsurface 1016 of the perimeter, whereas the remaining two tabs areattached to both the interior surface 1016 of the perimeter and the rearsurface of the striking face 1018.

Because the plurality of tabs 1021-1024 support the striking face 1018that is otherwise not secured to the perimeter of the golf club head1000, the plurality of tabs 1021-1024 are generally more robust than theplurality of tabs 921-924 discussed above with reference to FIGS. 9A-9C.For instance, because the edges of the striking face 1018 are notfastened to the perimeter of the golf club head 1000, the tabs 1021-1024provide the majority of support for the striking face 1018 upon strikinga golf ball. Thus, the configuration of the tabs 1021-1024 must provideenough support to withstand the forces generated upon such a ballstrike. As an example, the thickness T of the tabs 1021-1024 may begreater than the thickness T of the tabs 921-924. For instance, thethickness T of each of the tabs 1021-1024 may be about 3 mm or between2-6 mm, 3-5 mm, 3-4 mm, or at least 3 mm. Each of the tabs 1021-1024 mayor may not have the same thickness T. Further, in some examples, becausethe striking face 1018 is not directly secured to the perimeter of thegolf club head 1000, the striking face 1018 is also thicker than thestriking face 918 described above with reference to FIGS. 9A-9C. Forinstance, the striking face 1018 may have a thickness of 1.5 mm-2.5 mmor 2.0 mm-3.0 mm, or greater than 3.0 mm.

In some examples, the other dimensions of the tabs 1021-1024 may be thesame or similar to the dimensions of the tabs 921-924 described abovewith reference to FIGS. 9A-9C. The end of each tab 1021-1024 attached tothe rear surface of the striking face 1018, however, should bepositioned such that the front surface of the striking face 1018 isflush with the perimeter of the golf club head 1000 when attached. Forinstance, the angle α and the depth D of each tab 1021-1024 should havevalues such that the portion of each tab 1021-1024 results in the frontsurface of the striking face 1018 being flush with the perimeter of thegolf club head 1000. In other examples, the depth D and angle α of oneor more of the tabs 1021-1024 is configured such that the portion of thetab to be connected to the rear surface of the striking face 1018 isslightly behind the shelf plane P. For instance, the portion of the tabto be connected to the rear of the striking face 1018 may be betweenabout 0.3-1.0 mm behind the shelf plane P. In such examples, the tabsmay be biased forward to attach the striking face 1018. Thus, when thestriking face 1018 is attached to the tabs 1021-1024, a spring force ofthe tabs 1021-1024 pulls the striking face 1018 towards the cavity 1040.Thus, in that example, the edges of the striking face 1018 exert a smallforce against the gasket 1052 or shelf 1050 to hold the striking face1018 in place, but still allow the striking face 1018 to flex uponstriking a golf ball.

The widths W, depths D, and angles α for each of the tabs 1021-1024 maybe the same or similar to the widths W, depths D, and angles α for therespective tabs 921-924 described above with reference to FIGS. 9A-9C.

Iron-type golf club heads are generally designed for the club to impactthe golf ball centrally in a toe-heel direction along the scorelines onthe striking face. Center face is hereby defined as a line running upthe striking face passing through the center of a majority of each ofthe scorelines on the striking face. A conventional iron type golf clubhead with a center of gravity located behind center face will generallyresult in the highest ball speed after impact when the ball strikescenter face of the striking face. When the ball impacts the strikingface toe-ward or heel-ward of center face, ball speed, and thus overallshot distance, suffers. This reduction in ball speed is due to a varietyof factors which include not impacting the ball directly in line withthe center of gravity, limited face deflection outside center face, anda moment of inertia limited by the construction of the golf club head.

FIGS. 11A-H illustrate an additional embodiment of a golf club head 1100including a cantilevered face support tab 1122 configured to minimizethe reduction in ball speed due to ball striking not perfectly centeredat center face CF. FIG. 11A depicts a front view of a golf club head1100. FIG. 11B depicts a right view of the golf club head 1100 of FIG.11A. FIG. 11C depicts a perspective view of the golf club head 1100 ofFIG. 11A. FIG. 11D depicts a rear view of the golf club head 1100 ofFIG. 11A including a cantilevered face support tab 1122. FIG. 11Edepicts a rear perspective view of the golf club head 1100 of FIG. 11A.FIG. 11F depicts a right sectional view of the golf club head 1100 ofFIG. 11A. FIG. 11G depicts a perspective sectional view of the golf clubhead 1100 of FIG. 11A. FIG. 11H depicts a front sectional view of thegolf club head 1100 of FIG. 11A with the striking face 1118 missing.

Golf club head 1100 has a topline 1106, a toe portion 1108, a soleportion 1104, and a heel portion 1110, which in combination form aperimeter of the golf club head 1100. The golf club head 1100 isillustrated with a cavity back construction, but other constructions maybe utilized in accordance with the present invention. A medallion couldbe added to the rear surface to create a hollow back construction. Arear wall could be added much like the embodiment illustrated in FIGS.9A-9C to create a hollow construction. As illustrated in FIGS. 11D-11H,the golf club head 1100 includes a cantilevered face support tab 1122attached to an interior surface 1116 of the perimeter of the golf clubhead 1100. As illustrated in FIGS. 11D-11H, the cantilevered support tabextends upwards from an interior surface 1116 of the sole portion 1104.The other end of the tab 1122 is in contact with a rear surface 1119 ofthe striking face 1118. In the illustrated embodiments, the cantileveredsupport tab 1122 is not affixed to the rear surface 1119 of the strikingface 1118 and is configured to slide relative the rear surface 1119 asthe striking face 1118 deflects during impact with a golf ball. Thecantilevered face support tab 1122 is configured to support the strikingface 1118 locally in the vicinity of the center face CF. This allows thestriking face 1118 to not only be supported at its perimeter, but alsomore centrally by the cantilevered face support tab 1122, altering thedeflection profile of the striking face 1118 for more consistent ballspeeds even from imperfect ball striking. Additionally, cantileveredface support tab 1122 supporting the striking face 1118 allows for astriking face 1118 that is thinner than in a conventional iron type golfclub head, allowing for more localized deflection outside center faceCF, reducing the difference in ball speed between impacts at the centerface CF and impacts toe-ward and heel-ward of the center face CF. Thecantilevered face support tab 1122 provides the support necessary toallow for a striking face 1118 thickness FT of less than 2 mm. Withoutthe cantilevered face support tab 1122, such a thin face would likelynot be durable and fail after repeated impacts with a golf ball.Additionally, such a thin face would also be outside the USGA CORstandards. The present invention provides a wider portion of thestriking face capable of launching the golf ball as close to the USGACOR standards as possible. In one embodiment, the face thickness FT isless than 2.0 mm. In another embodiment, the face thickness FT is lessthan 1.9 mm. In another embodiment, the face thickness FT is less than1.8 mm. In another embodiment, the face thickness FT is less than 1.7mm. In the illustrated embodiments, the striking face 1118 has aconstant thickness FT. In other embodiments, not illustrated, thestriking face 1118 could have varying thickness.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 11G, the cantilevered facesupport tab 1122 can be formed integrally with the sole portion 1104 ofthe golf club head 1100. In the illustrated embodiment, the strikingface 1118 is formed separately from the rest of the golf club head 1100and subsequently welded to the golf club head 1100. Additionally, in theillustrated embodiment, the striking face 1118 portion of the golf clubhead can include a lower return, moving the lower weld line to the soleportion 1104 rather than on the striking face 1118. In otherembodiments, the cantilevered face support tab 1122 may be affixed tothe interior surface 1116 of the golf club head 1100 via welding orother fastening procedures or mechanisms.

The cantilevered face support tab 1122 can include a lower portion 1162,which is affixed to the interior surface 1116 and an upper portion 1164,which abuts the rear surface 1119 of the striking face 1118. Asillustrated in FIG. 11F, the upper portion 1164 can include a lowerradius 1166 at the intersection of the upper portion 1164 and the lowerportion 1162. When the golf club head 1100 is at address, thecantilevered face support tab 1122 has a depth D into the cavity fromthe internal surface 1116, a width W, an angle α between the tab 1122and the rear surface 1119 of the striking face 1118, a thickness TL ofthe lower portion 1162 and a thickness TU of the upper portion 1164, anda surface area SA of the cantilevered face support tab 1122 of thecontact patch which is in contact with the rear surface 1119 of thestriking face 1118. The thickness TL and thickness TU can differ due tothe cantilevered face support tab 1122 being tapered as illustrated inFIG. 11F.

In one embodiment, the depth D of the cantilevered face support tab 1122is greater than 10 mm. In another embodiment, the depth D is greaterthan 14 mm. In another embodiment, the depth D is greater than 18 mm. Inanother embodiment, the depth D is greater than 22 mm. In anotherembodiment, the depth D is greater than 10 mm and less than 30 mm. Inanother embodiment, the depth D is greater than 18 mm and less than 26mm. In another embodiment, the depth D is greater than 20 mm and lessthan 24 mm.

In one embodiment, the width W of the cantilevered face support tab 1122is greater than 4 mm. In another embodiment, the width W is greater than8 mm. In another embodiment, the width W is greater than 12 mm. Inanother embodiment, the width W is greater than 4 mm and less than 20mm. In another embodiment, the width W is greater than 8 mm and lessthan 16 mm. In another embodiment, the width W is greater than 10 mm andless than 14 mm.

In one embodiment, the thickness TL of the lower portion 1162 of thecantilevered face support tab 1122 is greater than 2 mm. In anotherembodiment, the thickness TL is greater than 4 mm. In anotherembodiment, the thickness TL is greater than 2 mm and less than 10 mm.In another embodiment, the thickness TL is greater than 4 mm and lessthan 8 mm. In another embodiment, the thickness TL is greater than 5 mmand less than 6 mm. In one embodiment, the thickness TU of the upperportion 1164 of the cantilevered face support tab 1122 is greater than 1mm. In another embodiment, the thickness TU is greater than 1.5 mm. Inanother embodiment, the thickness TU is greater than 1.0 mm and lessthan 3 mm. In another embodiment, the thickness TU is greater than 1.5mm and less than 2.5 mm. In another embodiment, the thickness TU isgreater than 1.5 mm and less than 2 mm.

In one embodiment the angle α between the tab 1122 and the rear surface1119 of the striking face 1118 is greater than 10 degrees. In anotherembodiment the angle α is greater than 20 degrees. In another embodimentthe angle α is greater than 30 degrees. In another embodiment the angleα is less than 50 degrees. In another embodiment the angle α is lessthan 45 degrees. In another embodiment the angle α is less than 40degrees. In another embodiment the angle α is less than 35 degrees. Inanother embodiment the angle α is greater than 10 degrees and less than50 degrees. In another embodiment the angle α is greater than 20 degreesand less than 40 degrees. In another embodiment the angle α is greaterthan 30 degrees and less than 35 degrees.

In one embodiment, the surface area SA of the cantilevered face supporttab 1122 which is in contact with the rear surface 1119 of the strikingface 1118 is greater than 5 mm². In another embodiment the surface areaSA is greater than 10 mm². In another embodiment the surface area SA isgreater than 15 mm². In another embodiment the surface area SA isgreater than 20 mm².

Due to the triangular and asymmetric shape of an iron type golf clubhead, the striking face deflects more toe-ward than heel-ward even withan impact at center face CF. This is due to the larger surface area ofthe striking face toe-ward of center face CF than heel-ward. Thus, agolf ball struck toe-ward from center face CF tends to have a higherball speed than a golf ball hit a more heel-ward. FIGS. 12A-12Cillustrate an additional embodiment of a golf club head 1200 including acantilevered face support tab 1222. FIG. 12A depicts a rear view of agolf club head 1200 including a cantilevered face support tab 1222. FIG.12B depicts a rear perspective view of the golf club head 1200 of FIG.12A. FIG. 12C depicts a front sectional view of the golf club head 1200of FIG. 12A with the striking face 1218 missing. FIG. 12D depicts a rearperspective view of the golf club head 1200 of FIG. 12A including afriction reducing member 1270. FIG. 12E depicts a right sectional viewof the golf club head 1200 of FIG. 12D.

The cantilevered face support tab 1222 is configured to support thestriking face 1218 toe-ward of center face CF, normalizing the ballspeeds off the striking face toe-ward and heel-ward of the center faceCF. The upper portion 1264 of the cantilevered face support tab 1222 islocated toe-ward of center face CF a toe offset distance TOD, measuredfrom center face CF to the center of the contact patch of thecantilevered support tab 1222 with the striking face 1218. In theillustrated embodiment, the upper portion 1264 of the cantilevered facesupport tab 1222 is located toe-ward of the intersection of the lowerportion 1262 and the sole portion 1204, causing the cantilevered facesupport tab 1222 to be angled toe-ward relative to the ground plane atan angle B, rather than being substantially perpendicular to the groundplane as illustrated in FIGS. 11A-H. The angled cantilevered facesupport tab 1222 has a few advantages. By locating the intersection ofthe lower portion 1262 and the sole portion 1204 heel-ward of the upperportion 1264, more real estate in the cavity of the golf club head 1200is provided in the lower toe portion 1208 for weight pads and/or highdensity weighting to optimize the center of gravity and moment ofinertia properties of the golf club head. Additionally, the effectivelength of the cantilevered face support tab 1222 is longer than if itwas oriented perpendicular to the ground plane, reducing the stress inthe cantilevered face support tab 1222 as it deflects with the strikingface 1218.

In one embodiment, the angle B of the cantilevered face support tab 1222is angled toe-ward relative to the ground plane is less than 90 degrees.In another embodiment, the angle B is less than 80 degrees. In anotherembodiment, the angle B is less than 70 degrees. In another embodiment,the angle B is less than 60 degrees. In another embodiment, the angle Bis less than 55 degrees.

In one embodiment, the toe offset distance TOD of the cantilevered facesupport tab 1222 is greater than 2 mm. In another embodiment, the toeoffset distance TOD is greater than 4 mm. In another embodiment, the toeoffset distance TOD is greater than 6 mm. In another embodiment, the toeoffset distance TOD is greater than 8 mm. In another embodiment, the toeoffset distance TOD is greater than 10 mm. In another embodiment, thetoe offset distance TOD is greater than 4 mm and less than 20 mm. Inanother embodiment, the toe offset distance TOD is greater than 8 mm andless than 16 mm. In another embodiment, the toe offset distance TOD isgreater than 10 mm and less than 14 mm.

As illustrated in FIGS. 12D and 12E, a friction reducing 1270 member canbe located between the upper portion 1264 of the cantilevered facesupport tab 1222 and the rear surface 1219 of the striking face 1218.The friction reducing member 1270 can include a cavity configured toreceive the upper portion 1264 of the cantilevered face support tab 1222and enclose the upper portion 1264 much like a sock. The frictionreducing member 1270 can be constructed of a variety of materials, whichmay include, for example, delrin, polyethylene, ultra high molecularweight polyethylene, aluminum, titanium, magnesium, etc. Additionally,although not illustrated herein, the cantilevered face support tabsdescribed herein can be utilized in a metalwood golf club head offeringmany of the same advantages.

In another embodiment, not illustrated, the lower portion can be locatedtoe-ward of the upper portion, causing the cantilevered face support tabto be angled heel-ward relative to the ground plane. The lower portioncould be affixed to a toe side of the sole portion or may even beaffixed to the toe portion.

Although specific embodiments and aspects were described herein andspecific examples were provided, the scope of the invention is notlimited to those specific embodiments and examples. One skilled in theart will recognize other embodiments or improvements that are within thescope and spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the specificstructure, acts, or media are disclosed only as illustrativeembodiments. The scope of the invention is defined by the followingclaims and any equivalents therein.

1. A golf club head comprising: a club head perimeter comprising a toeportion, a heel portion, a topline, and a sole portion; a striking face;and a cantilevered face support tab extending from an interior surfaceof said sole portion towards a rear surface of said striking face;wherein said cantilevered face support tab is secured to said interiorsurface; wherein said cantilevered face support tab is in contact withbut not secured to said rear surface of said striking face; wherein saidstriking face is affixed to said club head perimeter via welding;wherein said cantilevered face support tab is formed integrally withsaid sole portion; wherein a depth D measured vertically from saidinterior surface of said sole portion to a top of said cantilevered facesupport tab is greater than 10 mm and less than 30 mm; wherein saidcantilevered face support tab comprises a lower portion and an upperportion, said lower portion affixed to said sole portion, said upperportion contacting said striking face; wherein an angle α measuredbetween a front surface of said lower portion of said cantilevered facesupport tab and said rear surface of said striking face is greater than10 degrees and less than 50 degrees; wherein a width W of saidcantilevered face support tab measured in a toe-heel direction isgreater than 4 mm and less than 20 mm; wherein a thickness TL of saidlower portion measured perpendicularly to said depth D and said width Wis greater than 2 mm and less than 10 mm; wherein a thickness TU of saidupper portion measured perpendicularly to said depth D and said width Wis greater than 1 mm and less than 3 mm; wherein a surface area SA of acontact patch formed between said cantilevered face support tab and saidrear surface of said striking face is greater than 5 mm²; wherein saidstriking face has a face thickness FT of less than 2 mm; wherein saidupper portion of said cantilevered face support tab includes a frictionreducing member located between said upper portion and said rear surfaceof said striking face, said friction reducing member constructed of amaterial different than that of said cantilevered face support tab.
 2. Agolf club head comprising: a club head perimeter comprising a toeportion, a heel portion, a topline, and a sole portion; a striking face;and a cantilevered face support tab extending from an interior surfaceof said sole portion towards a rear surface of said striking face;wherein said cantilevered face support tab is secured to said interiorsurface of said sole portion; wherein said cantilevered face support tabis in contact with but not secured to said rear surface of said strikingface; wherein a depth D measured vertically from said interior surfaceof said sole portion to a top of said cantilevered face support tab isgreater than 10 mm and less than 30 mm; wherein said striking face has aface thickness FT of less than 2 mm.
 3. The golf club head of claim 2,wherein said striking face is affixed to said club head perimeter viawelding.
 4. The golf club head of claim 2, wherein said cantileveredface support tab is formed integrally with said sole portion.
 5. Thegolf club head of claim 2, wherein said cantilevered face support tabcomprises a lower portion and an upper portion, said lower portionaffixed to said sole portion, said upper portion contacting saidstriking face.
 6. The golf club head of claim 5, wherein an angle αmeasured between a front surface of said lower portion of saidcantilevered face support tab and said rear surface of said strikingface is greater than 10 degrees and less than 50 degrees.
 7. The golfclub head of claim 2, wherein a width W of said cantilevered facesupport tab measured in a toe-heel direction is greater than 4 mm andless than 20 mm.
 8. The golf club head of claim 5, wherein a thicknessTL of said lower portion measured perpendicularly to said depth D andsaid width W is greater than 2 mm and less than 10 mm and wherein athickness TU of said upper portion measured perpendicularly to saiddepth D and said width W is greater than 1 mm and less than 3 mm.
 9. Thegolf club head of claim 2, wherein a surface area SA of a contact patchformed between said cantilevered face support tab and said rear surfaceof said striking face is greater than 5 mm².
 10. The golf club head ofclaim 5, wherein said upper portion of said cantilevered face supporttab includes a friction reducing member located between said upperportion and said rear surface of said striking face.
 11. The golf clubhead of claim 10, wherein said friction reducing member is constructedof a material different than that of said cantilevered face support tab.12. A golf club head comprising: a club head perimeter comprising a toeportion, a heel portion, a topline, and a sole portion; a striking face;and a cantilevered face support tab extending from an interior surfaceof said sole portion towards a rear surface of said striking face;wherein said cantilevered face support tab is secured to said interiorsurface of said sole portion; wherein said cantilevered face support tabis in contact with but not secured to said rear surface of said strikingface; wherein said cantilevered face support tab comprises a lowerportion and an upper portion, said lower portion affixed to said soleportion, said upper portion contacting said striking face; wherein saidstriking face comprises a plurality of scorelines; wherein said strikingface comprises a center face, said center face comprising a line on thestriking face passing through a center of a majority of each of saidplurality of scorelines; wherein said upper portion comprises a contactpatch in contact with said rear surface of said striking face, whereinsaid contact patch comprises a contact patch center, wherein saidcontact patch center is located a distance TOD at least 2 mm toe-ward ofsaid center face.
 13. The golf club head of claim 12, wherein saidstriking face is affixed to said club head perimeter via welding. 14.The golf club head of claim 12, wherein said cantilevered face supporttab is formed integrally with said sole portion.
 15. The golf club headof claim 12, wherein an angle α measured between a front surface of saidlower portion of said cantilevered face support tab and said rearsurface of said striking face is greater than 10 degrees and less than50 degrees.
 16. The golf club head of claim 12, wherein a width W ofsaid cantilevered face support tab measured in a toe-heel direction isgreater than 4 mm and less than 20 mm.
 17. The golf club head of claim12, wherein said cantilevered face support tab is angle toe-ward formingan angle B between said lower portion of said cantilevered face supporttab and a ground plane, wherein said angle B is less than 80 degrees.18. The golf club head of claim 12, wherein a surface area SA of acontact patch formed between said cantilevered face support tab and saidrear surface of said striking face is greater than 5 mm².
 19. The golfclub head of claim 12, wherein said upper portion of said cantileveredface support tab includes a friction reducing member located betweensaid upper portion and said rear surface of said striking face, saidfriction reducing member constructed of a material different than thatof said cantilevered face support tab.
 20. The golf club head of claim12, wherein a depth D measured vertically from said interior surface ofsaid sole portion to a top of said cantilevered face support tab isgreater than 10 mm and less than 30 mm, and wherein said striking facehas a face thickness FT of less than 2 mm.